Verden Miles Lavin (AKA “Verdie”), age 85 passed awa after a 3-year battle with lung cancer. He died at home where he wanted to be when “my time comes” with his wife Patty by his side.
Verdie was born on November 16, 1939, in Sheridan, Wyoming. He was the second son of Louis Miles Lavin and Ann Rosalie Yalowizer. A sister Lois Ann joined the family April 25, 1942 and a second sister Helen Kathleen rounded out the family.
Verdie graduated from Worland High School with the Class of 1957, and he was the youngest of his class. He had many close high school buddies and has kept in touch with many over the years. (I’m sure these guys were well known by the local police based upon some of the stories I overhead being rehashed at class reunions.) Later, Verdie graduated from Casper College while living with his “Aunt Tootie” and “Uncle Rudy” Legerski. While attending school he worked for Asbell Construction.
Verdie volunteered for the Army before being drafted and was honorably discharged February 12, 1964. While in the Army, he successfully finished Airborne School. He was proud to have become a member of the “Puking Buzzards” AKA 101 Airborne Division – Fort Campbell, Kentucky. While there he received a parachutist badge and a Good Conduct medal.
After returning from the service, he started back to school at the University of Wyoming in Laramie using his GI Bill. While attending school, he worked several jobs including Oilfield work, delivering Budweiser beer, and milking cows at 4:00 am at the University of Wyoming Ag Farm.
During his senior year, he was approached by the owner of the Cowboy Bar, Marion Griffin, to come work as a bartender. It was during this period of time he met the boss’s sister Patty. They were married November 18, 1967. Later, he was hired by the Bureau of Land Management for a position in Range Management. His first job was in Pinedale, Wyoming, later transferring to Burns, Oregon, then Rock Springs, Wyoming and approximately 4 years later transferring to Miles City, Montana. He retired from BLM on September 20, 1996. Shortly after he was doing “day work” for the Coffee Cattle Company which he greatly enjoyed. He thought it was fun to head out with C.M and the horses around 6:00 a.m. and get home in time for a later supper.
Over the years, Verdie really didn’t have hobbies, but he had started roping steers when we lived in Rock Springs and for many years, he was a weekend warrior. His love for and respect for good horses never wavered. Over the years, he owned many good horses including Goofy, Bartender, Boots, Reno, Dude, Vegas, Custer and Molly.
Verdie is survived by his wife of over 50 years Patty Lavin of Miles City, MT; nieces: LeeAnn (David) Rodenbaugh of Thornton, CO, Sonja (Tony) Anduiza of Cottonwood, AZ, Marlene (Steve) Rogers of BonAire, GA, Jodi (Jeff) Carter of Bigfork, MT, Teresa (Greg) Eichinger of Frederick, CO, Alice (Scott) Klosterman of Casper, WY; Nephews: Kenny and Paul (Brenda) Saban of Moscow, ID; and many great nieces and nephews including Emily (Ryan) Levalley of Grand Junction, CO.
Many of Verdie’s family have passed on including his parents, his brother Bob Lavin who retired from the military- Navy, both sisters Lois Hillberry and Helen Saban and his favorite sister-in-law Marion Griffin.
Special thanks go out to the Billings Clinic Infusion staff, especially Kelly who he thought very highly of, Jamie Warner who came to the house to provide care and the Intermountain Hospice staff. Many thanks go out to the Eddie Kanduch family for all their help and support. Verdie loved the porch visits with the girls. Thanks to Doug Columbik for getting Verdie set up for the Cowboy Channel which he loved.
It’s very difficult to say goodbye to your best friend of over 50 years, but it is worse to see them suffer. I won’t say goodbye, but rather see ya down the trail. Happy Trails, it’s been a hell of a ride.
There will be two different Celebration of Verdie’s Life, first on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. The second Celebration will be Monday, August 18, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the Riverview Memorial Garden Cemetery in Worland, Wyoming with full honors by the military honor guard. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Saturday August 16, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday August 16, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday August 18, 2025
Riverview Memorial Gardens
1100 West River Road
Worland, Wyoming 82401
Service Schedule
Visitation
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Saturday August 16, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday August 16, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday August 18, 2025
Riverview Memorial Gardens
1100 West River Road
Worland, Wyoming 82401
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Jackie Stroh says
Patty so sorry for your loss! Hugs to you!!
Gene & Vickie Schneidt says
So sad to see this. Verdie was such a kindhearted person. I learned a lot from him with my horses. Rest in Peace Verdie, the world lost a special person.
MARTHA Crandall says
My sympathy
Dawn Perkins says
Patti I am so sorry to hear of your loss!
You will be in my prayers to receive comfort and love during this difficult time! If you need anything please let me know!
George & Maggie Holom says
Patti and family, We are sorry to hear of Verdi’s passing. We recall moving you to Miles City many years ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May he Rest in Peace!
Jerry and Sue Backlund says
Our prayers and condolences Patty are with you and your entire family. Very kind man RIP.
Dan and Katie Benoit says
Patty, we are sorry to hear about Verdie. We are thinking about you during this difficult time. May all your memories bring you comfort. Hugs
Wanda Ayers says
Your lifetime of memories, family and friends will help carry you. My sincerest condolences 🙏
Tom and Kathy Strub says
Verdi’s was a shoeing client for years. Always enjoyed talking horses with him. Our sympathies to you Patti
Haley Mills says
OMG PATTY I AM SO SORRY…
Sharon Moore says
I enjoyed working with Verdie years ago and extend my condolences on your loss.
Carrie Etherington says
Patti,
I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you friend. ~ Carrie Beach
Gene & Vickie Schneidt says
Patty, we are sending love, prayers & hugs.
Donald Bundy says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Patty. I enjoyed working with Verdi on the C C W S board. Had a lot of respect for him.
Ed & Deb Kanduch says
We will keep you in our prayers Patti. Verdie was such a good friend to our son, Eddy, and the girls. I know they will miss him so much. May God give you comfort.
Betty Ganser says
Patty so sorry for the passing of Verdie. I of course didn’t know he was ill. I left 5 years ago and haven’t returned. Please take care of yourself. Will be in touch to check on you.
Cheri Ridenour says
Patty, so sorry to hear of the loss of Verdie. May the moments shared and memories made bring you comfort as you navigate through this loss. Hugs to you.
Kelli K says
Verdie was a great guy and my most favorite boss when I worked as his Range Assistant at BLM in the early 90s. He was also an awesome friend and will be greatly missed. My condolences to you Pattie and the rest of the family. Thoughts and prayers.
Chris Young says
I am so sorry for your loss Patti. I am thinking of you.
Kim Stanton says
Dear Patty,
Sending you my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beloved Verdie. May your days be filled with the Lord‘s comfort, consolation, and peace.
With my sincere sympathy,
Kim Stanton
Dana Dabney Gaviotis says
Patty, one of my favorite nursing instructors. I’ve thought of you numerous times over the years, 32 to be exact. I’m so sorry to see your Verdie has left your side. So much love to you as you navigate these waters. I’m an oncology nurse im Sheridan, Wyoming. xo
MARY OTTOY says
Patty,
My sincere sympathy. Growing up, I always remember Verdie being around where there was some team roping. Hugs and prayers to you.
Frank Lane says
Rest easy Verdie, the pain is over.
LeeAnn Rodenbaugh says
Aunt Patty, What a beautifully written tribute. It made me smile through the tears. And it sure has been a “Hell of a Ride” for the two of you! Glad we got to be a small part of that ride from time to time. Rest in Peace Uncle Verdie, you may be gone from our sight but never from our hearts. Love You Both, Always…!
Marlene Rogers says
The third weekend in May was very special and always something to look forward to as the nieces and great nieces crashed the Lavin place for Bucking Horse Sale. We all took turns showing Verdie off on the dance floor at the VFW because he wouldn’t dance on the Street…it ruined his boots. It was a blast drinking a Bloody Mary or two on Saturday after the parade with Patty and Verdie at The Montana. 1. To feel better and 2. to wait for the bag pipers and Custer (Patty’s favorite). We left for the sale to bet on all the horses that were gray and wearing red – Per Patty. But Verdie never picked those horses!! Then we headed back down town in the evening to start the party again. I loved sitting around the Lavin table talking about the adventures we had the night before because Verdie and Patty have the best laugh and they always got our humor. And we would laugh for hours making new memories we could share again the next year. It was a hell of a ride to be sure!! My heart is crushed. But Mom, Helen, Bob and Grandma get to hear his laugh now and I am thankful for that. Until we meet again. I love you Uncle Verdie!
Haley Mills says
My heart is broken 💔 you and your husband I’ve known most of my life
Martha Reynolds says
Patty, Sending you and all your family Prayers and Love at the passing of your beloved husband Verdie. I know you are surrounded by family and friends. Know you are in my Thoughts and Prayers, Martha Reynolds